Holiday cheer was rampant at Harmony Hall as the historic 1772 building was trimmed with decorations and filled with people for the open house on Sunday.
“We’ve got a much bigger crowd than what we expected since the weather was cold and rainy,” Site Manager Judy White said. “But of course, the house itself draws people in. And the decorations being all natural from the time period make it unique.”
Peggy Pittman-Collins of Grifton said she moved to the area 10 years ago and joined the Lenoir County Historical Association. She also volunteers at the Grifton Historical Museum on Saturdays, so she’s missed the open houses held at Harmony Hall until this year.
“I like the excitement that people have for resources we have in this area,” she said, “things like protecting this house and opening it to the public.”
David Mills of Kinston said he has come to countless open houses at the hall to assist his mother.
“I’m interested in the history,” he said, “what this represents for Kinston and the state.”
Harmony Hall, across from the Lenoir County Courthouse on King Street, will continue to show off its holiday décor through the end of the year.
The home is generally open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but it’s recommended visitors call first to make sure a volunteer is there, White said, adding volunteers are always needed.
“Especially the younger generation,” she said is needed, “because it’s going to be up to our younger generation to keep the home open. It’s the oldest house still standing in Kinston and it certainly has its significance with Richard Caswell.”
Caswell served as governor from 1776-1780 and 1784-1787 and worked out of the house.
At least two younger folks are currently volunteering there. Both live in La Grange.
Brett Wilson, 21, is a sixth-generation grandson of the former governor through the line of Dallam Caswell. He is an avid history fan and will be graduating from the welding program at Lenoir Community College in the spring.
“I like going around seeing the old houses here,” he said at the open house.
Katie Boone, 23, also volunteers and will be graduating from ECU this month with a degree in marketing.
“We just think it’s important for the history of Kinston to be known and remembered,” she said. “The younger generation needs to do more to be more active in the history.”
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.